8 Places To Visit In Madrid Spain

Madrid is a beautiful city located in Spain. It is the third largest city in Europe and is political and financial core of Spain. In this post, 8 top places to visit in madrid will be discussed.

This city boasts a lot of history and as quite a few tourist attractions. A person can easily explore the historic districts of this wonderful city on foot. The city offers different communities and each one has its own distinct feel. Some things to see in Madrid are the Thyssen-Bornemisza art museums, Reina SofĂ­a and the Prado.

The city of Madrid has a population of around 3.3 million people, but the combined population of the metro area is estimated at around 6.5 million. The city is 234 square miles in size. The city is the capital of Spain and is located in the CET time zone.

Climate in Madrid

The climate of Madrid offers some hot summers and cold winters. The hottest month in the city is July with an average high of 88.2F and the coldest month in the city is January 49.5F. Madrid is located in a dry climate and most of the precipitation is in the spring and autumn months.

Madrid offers a lot to people that come visit. Madrid has a thriving night life and has many locations that people can enjoy dancing the night away. The city also offers some visually impressive building that date back centuries.

A person can feel like they are going back in time when they visit some of the older standing buildings in the city of Madrid. The largest bullfighting ring in the world is also located in Madrid. Bullfighting season in Madrid is from March until October. People come from all around the world to watch bullfights in Madrid.

Madrid is a wonderful city that has a lot to offer people. It is one of the best places to visit in Europe.

List of 8 Places to visit in Madrid:

1. The Las Ventas Bullring

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Photo Source: Flickr

Bullfighting is still performed in the city of Madrid, the best time to experience this event is in May and June when the San Isidro festival is being held. World class fighters and bulls attend the festival and fights are competed daily.

The festival features a variety of traditional bullfights including those done in costume, fights on horseback and those held against young animals. Tickets sell very quickly during the festival so those who intend to experience a bullfight should consider purchasing tickets beforehand and can do so online.

Bullfighting is held at other times of the year on Sunday evenings and the season runs from March through October. The type of fights featured will vary and may include fighters with less skill.

Read Also: Top Tourist Destinations In Europe

2. Plaza Mayor

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Photo source: Flickr

Travelers to Madrid will want to bring their camera to the Plaza Mayor. This architecturally dynamic square has been the location for bullfights, executions, markets and concerts.

A statue of Felipe III has been constructed in the center of the artistically painted Casa de la Panaderia. Beautiful stairs going down named the Arco de Cuchilleros will allow visitors to reach the square while getting a little exercise.

A large variety of food choices is offered near the Plaza in the Saint Michael Market. The market was built in 1913 and is the perfect spot for the hungry tourist.

3. Santiago Bernabeu

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Photo source: Flickr

Football fans should not miss the Santiago Bernabeu; it is the location for the most successful football club in Spain as well as in Europe. For those who travel to Madrid between matches a tour of the arena can be done and fans will enjoy the Real Madrid Museum that displays trophies and mementos. For those who travel while competitions are being held, tickets sell out very fast.

The biggest rivalry comes from FC Barcelona and these matches can become very intense. Visitors who are considering attending a game should consider checking the match schedule.

4. Flamenco Shows

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Photo source: Flickr

In the middle of the city the most famous flamenco show in the world is performed at the Corral de la Moreria. Travellers will enjoy performances to well-known flamenco music with professional dance artists there to entertain.

The restaurant is air conditioned for comfort and diners will feel as though they’ve stepped back in time with the furnishings dating back to the XVIII and XIX time periods. This show will give visitors an authentic Spanish experience and includes a delicious meal to eat during the performance.

5. Madrid Museums

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Photo: Plaza De Toros

Attractions not to be missed in the city of Madrid are the various museums that can be found around the area. The Museo del Prado houses one of the best art collections found throughout the world with its collection of classic art.

Modern art can be found at the Reina Sofia National Museum and a fine collection of art from master artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso and Monet is available at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art.

Several other museums in the area include the National Archaeology Museum that offers patrons ancient discoveries that will give them an understanding of how Spain was developed.

An overlooked museum is the Museo de America and features an interesting collection from the native cultures prior to the European conquest. Culture is easily found within the city of Madrid and visitors to the area will find themselves enjoying the many options available.

6. Calle de Preciados – Shopping Street

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Photo source: Flickr

Calle de Preciados is a popular shopping street located outside of Sol Metro station. This pedestrian area is home to loads of great shops. From shoes to hats this is one of the best places to get everything you need for a night out in the capital.

This street is home to all sorts of shops from international designers to home grown boutiques. You can find all the popular international brands here (Zara, H & M…).

The street is a paved pedestrian zone with a covering to keep the heat off shoppers. There are some restaurants and cafes in the area as well to take a break from the intense shopping. The street has police security but shoppers must still be wary of pickpockets. Exit from Sol Metro station and you can’t miss the street.

7. El Corte Inglés

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Photo source: Flickr

You can find anything you want at this Spanish department store. Created in 1940, this is Spain’s only department store chain left. There are several stores located around the city but the flagship store is the one to see.

Located in the northern part of Madrid, this store has anything and everything you could ever want. From televisions to designer clothes there is no limit to the shopping possibilities.

Designers at the flagship store include: Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hermes, and many more. There are also options for those with less cash to splash, as well as loads of sales. This is the biggest department store chain in all of Europe and is ranked amongst the type five in the whole world!

The Flagship store is located on Calle de Raimundo Fernández Villaverde, 79. The easiest way to get there is to take the Metro to Nuevos Ministerios.

8. El Rastro – Flea Market

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Photo source: Flickr

If you are looking for a unique souvenir then El Rastro is definitely the place to go. The market is home to all type of antiques and other odds and ends typically associated with flea markets. However, due to the diversity of the city, this open air market is truly one of a kind.

There are many specialty areas of the large market including a painter’s street, a street for animals, and a street for antique books.

The food is not to be missed at the market. Fresh local delicacies are around every corner. Go hungry, leave happy! The market opens on Sundays and public holidays around 9am and it is recommended to arrive before 11 am. After 11am the market gets very busy.

The market generally shuts its stalls around 3 in the afternoon. The easiest way to get there is by taking the Metro to the stop La Latina.